This week, the Kansas Turnpike Authority debuted a new truck parking management system along with several other improvements to help truckers traveling through the state.
The Kansas Turnpike Authority unveiled the system on September 12 as part of National Truck Driver Appreciation Week. The system was created with partnership from the Kansas Motor Carriers Association.
The truck parking management system will feature digital signage to alert truck drivers to parking availability at six rest stop locations. Drivers will also be able to go to the Kansas Turnpike website to view parking availability.
The Kansas Turnpike Authority is also making some infrastructure improvements to make life easier for truckers. They say that they are increasing vertical clearance for dozens of bridges: “Currently, KTA has raised the minimum clearance of 42 bridges to 15’9” to accommodate larger freight loads, and anticipates completing 50 bridges by the end of the initiative.” They are also increasing the length of acceleration and deceleration ramps at some toll plazas and service areas to make it easier to truck drivers to merge.
“KTA plays an important role in the industry,” said Steve Hewitt, KTA Chief Executive Officer. “We serve as a connector between Kansas’ three biggest cities, so it’s important to let our travelers know about the improvements made to enhance their experience on the Kansas Turnpike.”
The Kansas Turnpike Authority says that they’ve spent more than $27 million since 2016 on 17 different projects to improve ease and safety for commercial vehicle drivers.
You can check out the video below for more information on the new truck parking management system.